BIIG 2.0

Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG 2.0)

To further support educational technology in California, and continue the important work started under BIIG 1.0, the state budget included an additional $50 million in 2015-2016 for network infrastructure improvement for schools and districts. This opportunity was handled through a grant application process and services are distributed by the K-12 High-Speed Network (K12HSN), in consultation with the Department of Education (CDE) and State Board of Education (SBE).

As stated in the 2015-16 budget bill language (AB 93), first priority went to local educational agencies that are unable to administer computer-based assessments on-site. The second priority went to the local educational agencies that have to shut down essential operations to administer computer-based assessments at the school site, including, but not limited to, business services, email, and access to other critical online activities.

Applicants are categorized by the following:

First priority: School sites with current connection speeds below 20Kbps per student and are unable to administer the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and are not able to improve their internet connection.

Second priority: School sites that have difficulty administering the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and have limited option to improve connectivity

Third priority: School sites that have difficulty administering the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and have connections that are not scalable.

All public school districts, county offices of education and charter schools are eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so if they meed the criteria above. Interested school sites are urged to communicate with their district administration about the grant opportunity before applying.